Clematis comes in a wide range of colors, bloom times and bloom sizes. Color is the primary reason to take into considerationwhen choosing clematis. But be aware that different varieties bloom as early as June and as late as September, and the size of the bloom will vary from 1 inch to 5 inches across. Most clematis are considered fully hardy in Zone 4.

Tips for Growing Clematis

Light Requirements

Clematis prefer at least 6 hours of sun.

They prefer shade on the root system.

Soil

Clematis prefers fertile, well drained, light soil.

Planting

Dig hole large enough and deep enough so that at least one or two pair of buds, often 3-4” up the stem, is below ground level.

Amend existing soil with organic compost.

Spacing

Plant 5 feet apart from other clematis.

Mulch

Mulch with 1-2” of organic mulch.

Mulching cools the soil, conserves water and helps control weeds.

Watering

After planting, water well.

Prefers moist soil, not saturated.

Fertilizer

Fertilize with a granular fertilizer such as Bachman’s 10–20–10 each spring.

Apply a water-soluble fertilizer in June and July.

Grooming

Clematis vines require support, such as a trellis.

Leave 2-3” of space left behind the trellis for best results.

Regularly weed the garden.

See below for tips on pruning clematis.

Winter Care

Mulch with straw or chopped leaves 4–6” inches deep after several hard frosts, when the ground is frozen.

Uncover early spring once the ground begins to thaw.

Pruning Clematis
Pruning encourages more blooming; although understanding when to prune specific varieties is important. There are 3 groups of clematis that require different pruning techniques.

Group 1: Blooms early on last year’s growth.

a.

Prune by removing all dead and weak stems immediately after flowering.

b.

After pruning, the new growth will develop through the season for next year's blooms.

Group 2: Blooms between mid and late summer on both last year’s growth and new growth.

a.

Only clean out dead wood when the plant gets overgrown.

b.

Remove dead and weak stems in late spring; prune after first flush of growth.

Group 3: Blooms between mid and late summer on new growth.

a.

Eliminate all of last year’s growth and leave the lowest pair of live buds on the plant to begin the current season’s growth.

Troubleshooting Problems with Clematis

Problem

Cause(s)

Solution(s)

Clematis Wilt

Appears early to mid summer during periods of drought.

Some horticulturists believe it is a fungal disorder.

Prevention through proper planting techniques listed above.

Apply systemic fungicide monthly beginning in the spring.

Leaf Spot

The fungus survives winter and releases spores in spring and early summer, which infect the new growth

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